How to Make Money in OSRS Free-to-Play Top Methods for 2025

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a vibrant free-to-play (F2P) world where players can earn gold without a membership. While F2P has limitations compared to pay-to-play, there are plenty of profitable methods for new and experienced players alike. This guide explores the best ways to make money in OSRS F2P in 2025, focusing on accessible, efficient, and low-competition strategies. Whether you’re saving for a bond or building your bank, these tips will help you maximize your gold per hour.
In OSRS, gold (GP) is the backbone of progress. It buys better gear, resources, and even bonds for membership. F2P players face challenges like restricted skills and areas, but with the right approach, you can still earn substantial GP. The methods below require minimal investment and are perfect for beginners or those sticking to F2P for the long haul.
Understanding the F2P Economy
The F2P economy revolves around the Grand Exchange (GE), where players buy and sell items. Prices fluctuate, so always check GE prices before committing to a method. Most methods rely on gathering, crafting, or combat, and some are more AFK (away-from-keyboard) than others. Testing small batches before scaling up helps avoid losses.
Skilling-Based Money Makers
Skilling is a reliable way to earn GP in F2P, especially for players with low combat levels. These methods leverage gathering and processing skills like Mining, Woodcutting, and Fishing, which are accessible to everyone.
Mining Iron Ore
Mining iron ore is a straightforward and profitable method for F2P players. Iron ore sells well due to demand from smiths and alchemists.
- Location: Al Kharid Mine or Varrock South-East Mine
- Requirements: 15 Mining, pickaxe (bronze or better)
- Profit: ~100k-150k GP/hour
- Tip: Bank at Al Kharid for efficiency. World-hop to avoid competition.
With a decent Mining level, you can mine 300-400 ores per hour, selling them for around 300-400 GP each on the GE.
Woodcutting Oak Logs
Woodcutting oak logs is a low-effort, AFK-friendly option. Oaks are in demand for Firemaking and Construction training.
- Location: South of Varrock or near Lumbridge
- Requirements: 15 Woodcutting, axe (steel or better)
- Profit: ~50k-80k GP/hour
- Tip: Use a rune axe at higher levels to speed up chopping.
Oak logs fetch 100-150 GP each, and you can cut 500-600 per hour with moderate attention.
Fishing Lobsters
Fishing lobsters is a classic F2P money maker, ideal for players who prefer a relaxed pace.
- Location: Musa Point (Karamja)
- Requirements: 40 Fishing, lobster pot, 30 GP per trip for boat fare
- Profit: ~80k-120k GP/hour
- Tip: Cook lobsters for Cooking XP or sell them raw for higher profits.
Lobsters sell for 200-250 GP each, and you can catch 300-400 per hour at higher Fishing levels.
Combat-Based Money Makers
Combat offers exciting ways to earn GP by killing monsters that drop valuable items. These methods suit players with decent combat stats and gear, but even low-level players can profit with the right targets.
Killing Hill Giants
Hill Giants are a popular target for F2P players due to their consistent drops and low difficulty.
- Location: Edgeville Dungeon or Varrock Sewers
- Requirements: 20+ Combat, basic armor (iron or steel)
- Profit: ~80k-120k GP/hour
- Drops: Big bones (150-200 GP), limpwurt roots (500-600 GP), runes
Bring food to sustain longer trips and bank bones and roots for steady income.
Telegrabbing Wines of Zamorak
Using the Telekinetic Grab spell to collect Wines of Zamorak is a unique and profitable method.
- Location: Chaos Temple north of Falador
- Requirements: 33 Magic, air staff, law runes, wizard mind bombs (optional)
- Profit: ~200k-300k GP/hour
- Tip: At 500 total level, wear Zamorak robes and climb the ladder for easier grabs.
Wines sell for 1,000-1,500 GP each, and you can grab 100-150 per hour with practice.
Crafting and Processing Methods
Processing items through crafting or alchemy can turn raw materials into valuable products. These methods often require some starting capital but offer great returns.
Tanning Cowhides
Tanning cowhides into leather is a simple, no-skill-requirement method that’s perfect for beginners.
- Location: Lumbridge cow field, Al Kharid tanner
- Requirements: None, ~10k GP starting capital
- Profit: ~70k-100k GP/hour
- Process: Collect 27 cowhides, tan at Ellis in Al Kharid, sell on GE
Hard leather sells for 200-250 GP each, and you can tan 300-400 hides per hour.
High Alching Profitable Items
High Alchemy is a fantastic way to profit by buying items from the GE and alching them for more than their purchase price.
Item | Buy Price (GP) | Alch Value (GP) | Profit per Alch (GP) |
---|---|---|---|
Rune Med Helm | 11,000 | 11,520 | 420 |
Adamant Platebody | 9,500 | 9,984 | 384 |
- Requirements: 55 Magic, staff of fire, nature runes
- Profit: ~400k-500k GP/hour
- Tip: Check GE prices daily, as margins can shrink.
Alching 1,200 items per hour can net huge profits if you buy items with good margins.
Grand Exchange Flipping
Flipping involves buying low and selling high on the GE, a method that requires no skills but demands market knowledge.
How to Flip Effectively
Start with items like feathers, runes, or low-cost gear (e.g., iron arrows). Use these steps:
- Check buy/sell prices on the GE.
- Buy below market price and sell above it.
- Start with 10k-100k GP and reinvest profits.
- Monitor high-volume items to avoid losses.
- Profit: ~100k-500k GP/hour (depends on capital)
- Tip: Test with small quantities to learn price trends.
Best Items to Flip in F2P
- Feathers: High volume, small margins, easy to flip.
- Air Runes: Stable demand, quick turnover.
- Bronze Arrows: Cheap, consistent profit for low capital.
Flipping can scale with your bank, making it ideal for players with some starting GP.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
To make the most of these methods, follow these strategies to boost efficiency and profits.
Optimize Your Setup
Use the best gear available, like a rune pickaxe for Mining or mithril armor for combat. Free up inventory space by banking junk items and focus on high-value drops or products.
Combine Methods
Mix skilling and combat for variety. For example, mine iron ore between Hill Giant trips to diversify income and reduce monotony.
Stay Updated on Prices
OSRS prices change daily. Use GE Tracker or the in-game GE to monitor trends. Avoid methods with thin margins unless you’re confident in timing the market.
Save for a Bond
A bond costs ~4M-5M GP and grants 14 days of membership, unlocking more money-making opportunities. Aim to save for one by combining methods like telegrabbing wines and alching.
Key Takeaways:
- Start Simple: Tanning cowhides or mining iron requires no skills and builds your bank.
- Scale Up: High alching and flipping offer higher profits with some investment.
- Be Patient: F2P methods are slower but rewarding with consistency.
With these methods, you’ll be stacking GP in no time. Try a few, find what suits your playstyle, and watch your bank grow. Happy scaping!